(Crookston, Minn.)- Minnesota State University (MSU) opened up a 47-39 lead at the half and went on to defeat the University of Minnesota, Crookston 82-72 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Men's Basketball action tonight in Mankato, Minn. The Mavericks were ranked 16th in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) poll.

MSU held on for the victory despite being outshot by the Golden Eagles by a 57.1% (32-56) to 45.3% (29-64) clip. The Mavericks did hold a 33-30 edge in rebounds.

MSU's Jefferson Mason led all scorers with 31 points (12-19 from the field) with six rebounds. Marcus Hill added 12 points (4-12 from the field) and nine assists. Cameron Hodges scored 11 points (3-8 from the field) with five rebounds.

U of M, Crookston was led by Eric Dearden (Sr, G, Riverton, Utah) who scored a season high 25 points (10-14 from the field) with five three-pointers and five rebounds. Adam Hendricks (Sr, F, Watertown, Minn.) added 18 points (9-15 from the field) with five rebounds. Jacolby Anderson (Jr, G, Lancaster, Tex.) scored 12 points (6-10 from the field). Almir Krdzalic (So, G, Sioux Falls, S.D.) dished out ten assists.

MSU improves to 11-1 overall and 7-1 in the NSIC. The Golden Eagles fall to 5-6 overall and 1-6 in the NSIC.

U of M, Crookston returns to NSIC action at home on Saturday, January 8 and Sunday, January 9 when they play host to Northern State University and the University of Mary
respectively. Both games tip-off at 4 p.m.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

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Photo Caption: (Left to Right) Eric Dearden, Adam Hendricks